The title of this book is The Penultimate Peril, its’ title signifies that it is the second to last dangerous adventure. The author of this book is Lemony Snicket, although this is just a pen name. The books was published on October 18, 2005 in the U.S. and has been very successful since its’ release. This is a fictional book that does not seem to take place in any real location although the characters travel throughout the novel on several occasions. The three Baudelaire orphans have been mistreated by previous guardians and by the sinister Count Olaf. As time goes by they learn about secret organizations that their parents once belonged and try to unravel the mystery that is their misfortune.
About The Author
On the cover of the book the author is claimed to be Lemony Snicket, although this is just a pen name that he uses in order to be able to place himself in the book as if he were a part of it. His real name is Daniel Handler and he was born on February 28, 1970 in San Francisco, California. He has many works such as The Basic Eight, Watch Your Mouth, and Adverbs (2006), and his Series of Unfortunate Events, in which the first book was published in 1999. Many people feel that Handler has a very unique style in his writing considering that he writes children/young adult novels. His books are not always accepted as appropriate, but once edited, they work very well.
Characters and Conflict
Violet, Klaus, and Sun ny Baudelaire are orphans who lost their parents in a terrible fire. In the first book a person named Count Olaf was responsible for taking care of them but was very remiss in his responsibilities. He only wanted the Baudelaire fortune for his own and began hatching schemes in order to acquire it. As the books go on the orphans are passed from guardian to guardian, some good, some bad, but Count Olaf eventually finds them and tries to figure out a way to steal their fortune. At one home, the orphans meet the Quagmire orphans who also lost their parents in a fire and left behind a fortune. The two sets of orphans eventually stumble across small truths to each of their parents’ secret lives and try to unravel the mystery. Count Olaf always seems to pop up at the worst times but it seems as though he is involved in the secret. As the orphans try to learn about the secret organization it seems everyone belongs to, Count Olaf tries desperately to stop them.
Theme
The author is saying that life is full of events that may not be expected, but giving up on the situation will never result in the best possible outcome.
Book Review
The Penultimate Peril is a very good read and I suggest it to anyone who likes a slightly challenging read. The author speaks as the narrator and almost talks to the audience if he feels there is anything important. This book really makes you feel as if you are connected to the book or a part of it. Also, suspense fills this book like no other I have ever read. Action is always occurring and new secrets are being revealed almost every page. The story goes on for 13 books but the 12th one is easily the one where the most information is discovered making it a very fast read. I recommend this book to anyone who likes non-stop suspenseful action occurring throughout the book.
Style Analysis The style in The Penultimate Peril is very unique because it allows the reader to feel personally involved in the story compared to other novel where the reader is stuck on the outside looking in. The author is also the narrator and eventually has a part himself in the novel, he describes the scene and allows the readers to be all knowing while still allowing the suspense and action that a novel should have. The syntax and diction that is used in this novel is very high level although as the narrator, the author chooses to define the words in the book as part of his dialouge. Also, many phrases or cliches that are used during the actual events are described pertaining to that particual event. Also, the tone of this book can be very decieveing because it is almost mournful because of the children's experiences, yet there is always hope that occurs somewhere which makes the book a very interesting read.
"The action is fast and furious and Snicket's inimitable style is ultimately satisfying" Tom Jones.
"The way Snicket sets up his sentences has a remarkable effect on the overall way the book is read" Drebble. Works Consulted
Drebble. “The Penultimate Peril.” Good Reads. N.p. N.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.
About The BookThe title of this book is The Penultimate Peril, its’ title signifies that it is the second to last dangerous adventure. The author of this book is Lemony Snicket, although this is just a pen name. The books was published on October 18, 2005 in the U.S. and has been very successful since its’ release. This is a fictional book that does not seem to take place in any real location although the characters travel throughout the novel on several occasions. The three Baudelaire orphans have been mistreated by previous guardians and by the sinister Count Olaf. As time goes by they learn about secret organizations that their parents once belonged and try to unravel the mystery that is their misfortune.
About The AuthorOn the cover of the book the author is claimed to be Lemony Snicket, although this is just a pen name that he uses in order to be able to place himself in the book as if he were a part of it. His real name is Daniel Handler and he was born on February 28, 1970 in San Francisco, California. He has many works such as The Basic Eight, Watch Your Mouth, and Adverbs (2006), and his Series of Unfortunate Events, in which the first book was published in 1999. Many people feel that Handler has a very unique style in his writing considering that he writes children/young adult novels. His books are not always accepted as appropriate, but once edited, they work very well.
Characters and ConflictViolet, Klaus, and Sun ny Baudelaire are orphans who lost their parents in a terrible fire. In the first book a person named Count Olaf was responsible for taking care of them but was very remiss in his responsibilities. He only wanted the Baudelaire fortune for his own and began hatching schemes in order to acquire it. As the books go on the orphans are passed from guardian to guardian, some good, some bad, but Count Olaf eventually finds them and tries to figure out a way to steal their fortune. At one home, the orphans meet the Quagmire orphans who also lost their parents in a fire and left behind a fortune. The two sets of orphans eventually stumble across small truths to each of their parents’ secret lives and try to unravel the mystery. Count Olaf always seems to pop up at the worst times but it seems as though he is involved in the secret. As the orphans try to learn about the secret organization it seems everyone belongs to, Count Olaf tries desperately to stop them.
ThemeThe author is saying that life is full of events that may not be expected, but giving up on the situation will never result in the best possible outcome.
Book ReviewThe Penultimate Peril is a very good read and I suggest it to anyone who likes a slightly challenging read. The author speaks as the narrator and almost talks to the audience if he feels there is anything important. This book really makes you feel as if you are connected to the book or a part of it. Also, suspense fills this book like no other I have ever read. Action is always occurring and new secrets are being revealed almost every page. The story goes on for 13 books but the 12th one is easily the one where the most information is discovered making it a very fast read. I recommend this book to anyone who likes non-stop suspenseful action occurring throughout the book.
Style Analysis
The style in The Penultimate Peril is very unique because it allows the reader to feel personally involved in the story compared to other novel where the reader is stuck on the outside looking in. The author is also the narrator and eventually has a part himself in the novel, he describes the scene and allows the readers to be all knowing while still allowing the suspense and action that a novel should have. The syntax and diction that is used in this novel is very high level although as the narrator, the author chooses to define the words in the book as part of his dialouge. Also, many phrases or cliches that are used during the actual events are described pertaining to that particual event. Also, the tone of this book can be very decieveing because it is almost mournful because of the children's experiences, yet there is always hope that occurs somewhere which makes the book a very interesting read.
"The action is fast and furious and Snicket's inimitable style is ultimately satisfying" Tom Jones.
"The way Snicket sets up his sentences has a remarkable effect on the overall way the book is read" Drebble.
Works Consulted
Drebble. “The Penultimate Peril.” Good Reads. N.p. N.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.
Jones, Tom. “Children’s Literature.” Barnes and Noble. N.p. N.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.